Legislative Session

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HB 2440 would amend language regarding the definition of agencies that receive or place children, expectant mothers, or persons with disabilities. The amendment would specify that an agency of this type shall not include a host home program serving youth who are not in the care and custody of the department operated by a tax exempt program, if the program 1) recruits and screens potential homes in the program, including performing background checks on individuals on individuals residing in the homes through the DSHS’s central background check unit and the Washington state patrol or equivalent law enforcement agency, and performing physical inspections of homes; 2) provides case management services to youth in the program, 3) obtains a written and notarized permission of limited power of attorney from the parent or local guardian of the youth authorizing youth to participate in the program, and 4) obtains insurance for the program through an insurance provider authorized under Title 48 RCW.

The bill also instructs DSHS to provide a report to the governor and appropriate committees of the legislature that include best practices for host homes, including recommendations for licensing and certifying host home program by July 1, 2017.

Summary of changes in substitute:

The substitute bill provides a definition of host home programs and host homes.

The substitute bill removes the requirement that host home programs and host homes perform DSHS background checks on individuals in the homes for purposes of licensure exemption.

The substitute bill requires that host home programs provide mandatory reporter training to staff at host home programs to qualify for licensure exemption.

The substitute bill replaces the DSHS with the Department of Commerce's Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs as the agency that must provide a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding best practices for host home programs, including recommendations regarding licensing or certifying those programs.

The amendments by the Senate Human Services Committee did the following: A host home program is to register with the Secretary of State, Host Home Programs are mandatory reporters, and youth in host homes longer than 6 months are to have renewed written parental permission. The report is submitted by the Department of Commerce, not the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs, and is to make recommendations and best practices for host homes. Language referring to the report including recommendations regarding licensing or certifying host home programs is removed. References to homeless youth and referring youth to substance abuse or mental health programs are removed. The definitions are struck. Host Homes are precluded from accepting federal, state, or local funding; and clarifies that a Host Home is a private home.

The following Mental Health, Human Services, and Housing committee amendments were adopted with no amendments through a striker by the Senate:

A host home program is to register with the Secretary of State, Host Home Programs are mandatory reporters, and youth in host homes longer than 6 months are to have renewed written parental permission.

The report is submitted by the Department of Commerce, not the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs, and is to make recommendations and best practices for host homes. Language referring to the report including recommendations regarding licensing or certifying host home programs is removed.

References to homeless youth and referring youth to substance abuse or mental health programs are removed.

The definitions are struck.

A host home program may not receive local, state, or federal government funding.

Clarifies that a host home is a private home.

Effect of Senate floor amendment: A host home program that receives government funding must report specific information to the Office of Homeless Youth Prevention and Protection Programs. A host home program shall not receive more than one hundred thousand dollars per year in public funding. A host home shall not receive any local, state, or government funding.